“Everything you have experienced in your life has prepared you for this.” Our pastor’s words were in response to Diane and me telling him we felt called to short-term missions. Indeed, the flow of our lives had brought us to this point. After years of ministry in our local church, raising a family, and productive careers, God was beginning to transition us into a new season of life.  

When I became a Christian, I was deeply impressed by visiting missionaries while on furlough or deputation. That they would give up all pursuit of personal ambition and worldly gain strongly resonated with me. All they asked for were our prayers. Years ago, we signed up—literally!

We signed up to receive The Dividend, GFA’s monthly missionary prayer list. When The Dividend ceased publication, I received an email informing me that individual missionary prayer letters would be sent electronically. Whose prayer letter did I want to receive? “All of them,” I replied. GFA answered, “You do realize you will be getting a lot of prayer letters?” I said yes. And ever since, from Armstrong to Zartman, I have been receiving the prayer letters for GFA missionaries and praying for them! 

Prayer letters not only informed us about ministry work but also provided important insight into the everyday and not-so-everyday matters of life the missionary encountered on the field—things like legal, financial, cultural, travel, and logistical matters. These requests grew our burden for missions. 

When a retirement consultant for teachers informed me in 2024 that I could retire in June 2026, Diane and I started praying, “Lord, what do you want us to do?” We both wanted to move from our teaching jobs to new positions where we could use our backgrounds and experiences for the Lord. At the same time in mid-2024, I received a GFA prayer letter asking for help with a music program. I inquired, but the timing didn’t work out. A second prayer letter soon after stated the same need. This prompted me to contact GFA through their website. I introduced myself and shared how I would be willing to help missionaries with their music program. The email initiated a series of Zoom meetings, exchanges of emails, and a formal application process resulting in Diane and me becoming short-term missionaries in November of 2024.

GFA didn’t waste any time putting us into action. We were put in touch with the Paynes, the Knipes, and Holly Gilbert, missionaries in South Africa. Needs and ideas were shared during a Labor Day 2024 Zoom meeting. At one point during the meeting, Diane slipped a note to me: “We have to go.”

Was this really happening? Yes. In July 2025, we spent three weeks ministering to churches in the Cape Town area. I conducted a week-long children’s music camp at Tony Payne’s Eindhoven Baptiste Kerke, and taught guitar lessons on two consecutive Tuesday nights at the Knipes’ church, Grace Baptist Church in Ravensmead. I taught a Biblical Music Principles seminar to 150 people from five sister churches, and a music immersion class at Good Hope Christian School. 

The culminating event was conducting a mass choir of 60 voices from the sister churches. I preached every Sunday and two Wednesday nights. Diane spoke at a ladies meeting. Throughout our time we were thinking, “Why us? How us? Thank you, Lord! Just thank you for using us like this!” We left our hearts in Cape Town and took some of the people’s hearts home with us to the States.

We returned home, and I completed my final year teaching, retiring in June. Diane and I are eager to learn what the Lord would have us do. As we continue to pray for GFA missionaries, will you pray for us? We’re seeking the next steps. The past two years have impressed upon us the importance of prayer.

Psalm 112:7 says, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings. His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord” (KJV). Missions work is fraught with uncertainty, and the missionary is faced with his own inadequacy. Spiritual opposition makes him a prime target for attack. This verse tells us to not be afraid of evil. Instead, identify and be aware of it. Then the verse supplies fortitude for our efforts, “His heart is fixed.” Anchored, grounded. The missionary has the primary objective front and center within.

As the hymn says, “We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded, firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”¹ The last phrase of Psalm 112:7 reminds us where to place our trust—in the Lord. What great reliance and support we have in Him! Furthermore, we are backed up by the prayers of His people to carry us through our mission. What a privilege to have Him work through us!